I chose to try the same spell I had practiced with Kitaoji, the one I had finally mastered: "Fire".
"Spirits who live in this world, follow our pact and show your power here. First flame, dance! 'Fire'!"
As soon as I finished the chant, the target burst into rising flames. I watched it closely with a tight feeling in my chest, but after a short time the fire calmed down and the magic faded.
"I did it," I said.
"Hanaoka-san, well done," the teacher said. "It was still a bit strong, but the target did not burn to ash. You pass."
"Thank you!"
Yes! That day, I finally managed to use magic. It had been a long road since the first time I tried Fire. Two months of intense training with Kitaoji had passed, and now I could control my magic properly. It had been scary at times, but at least I was ready for the graduation test.
With this control, even if I joined the Defense Bureau, I could avoid the fate of the previous Great Magician. I felt deep thanks toward Kitaoji-san from the bottom of my heart.
* * *
Three days after mastering the 'Fire' spell, the graduation test began. On the first day, we had a written exam for a full five hours.
My memory had declined with age, but while others trained physically, I focused on studying magic theory from books. I could not fail this test. Thanks to all that work, I could answer almost everything. I did not know the pass score, but I was sure I would not fail.
"Old maaaaan," Jinnai called.
"Jinnai-kun, what's wrong?" I asked.
"I think I messed up, man," he said with a groan.
"Do you mean the test?"
"Yeah. I'm not proud, but there were so many parts I didn't get. If I fail, my wife will kill me. This is so bad!"
Jinnai-kun seemed more focused on practical training than studying, which might explain his struggles.
"Hanaoka-san, how was it?" Nakatsuka asked.
"I think I did fine. What about you, Nakatsuka-san?"
"I think I'm okay too," she said.
To be honest, with some effort, passing wasn't impossible. I worried about Jinnai-kun, but the dungeon test loomed the next day. Rest was crucial.
The next day, we would enter the nearest dungeon in teams of five. My team was me, Jinnai-kun, Ichikawa-san, Onishi-san, and Bessho-san. A school teacher would join each team as a guide.
* * *
The next morning, we set out for the dungeon. I had avoided alcohol and rested well the night before, feeling refreshed and prepared.
"Now, let us enter the dungeon," the teacher said. "As you heard, to pass this test, all members must return within six hours with the chosen item from inside the dungeon. If anyone fails to return within the time limit or without the item, they would have to repeat the training."
I knew some people would fail, but having to go through school again felt very hard. Three months of repetition would be harder for me at my age than for the younger students. I had to pass.
Notes:
• Kitaoji - Older, small man. First introduced as school’s odd‑jobs/handyman. Kind, surprised by Hanaoka’s power. But later, he is the school principal; acts as Hanaoka’s magic instructor, guides him to sense his own mana.
• Jinnai - A 19-year-old student first seen at orientation; questions Hanaoka about age and life due to curiosity; caused by meeting a much older classmate; connects as classmate; married; blunt but friendly.
• Nakatsuka - A 20-year-old classmate first seen when she approaches Hanaoka after class; invites him to tea due to interest in his single status; no leader involved; meets Hanaoka socially; no known other relationships; likes drinking.
• Ichikawa - 23-year-old Little Witch specializing in support magic. Intellectual with studious aura; wears well-suited glasses enhancing her beauty. Boldly romantic ("How about me for you?"), directly propositions Hanaoka during pasta dinner and hints at overnight stay ("didn’t want to go home tonight").